Electrospinning apparatus

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to an electrospinning apparatus, and the purpose of the present invention is to provide an electrospinning apparatus capable of producing nanofiber having various ingredients and thicknesses by controlling the temperature of at least one solution discharged from nozzles mounted on the tubular bodies of a nozzle block and thus controlling the viscosity of the solution which is electrospun; producing nanofiber having uniform quality without applying a density difference and a voltage difference by disposing the front end portions of the nozzles in a flare shape; and mass-producing nanofiber at a low cost as well as reducing the amount of the solution used by removing an overflow prevention system and using a metering pump alone or by using the metering pump and the overflow prevention system alternatively or in a hybrid manner.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an electrospinning apparatus, and moreparticularly by controlling solution temperature from nozzle equipped onnozzle block tubular bodies, controlling electrospin solution viscosity,nanofiber with various components and thickness could be manufactured,nozzle block front-end is arranged in divergent shape, there aren'tdensity difference and voltage difference, nanofiber with uniformquality could be produced, only using metering pump, or by alternativelyusing metering pump and overflow prevent system, solution usage amountis decreased, and simultaneously mass-producing nanofiber in low cost.

BACKGROUND ART

Generally, Electrospinning is technology producing micro diameter fiberby spinning fiber material solution in charging state, recentlynanometer fiber (below, ‘nanofiber’) could be manufactured, and researchregarding this is actively in progress. Nanofiber produced byelectrospinning means fiber having average diameter of 5 to 1000 nm,like this if fiber diameter decreases, new features appear. For example,increase in ratio of surface to volume, enhance in surfacefunctionality, enhance in mechanical property including tension.

Here, Nanofiber is applied in many application field because it has highration of surface to volume, and excellent flexibility regarding surfacefunctional group.

Nanofiber is applied in many fields because of such excellent features.For example, a web comprising such nanofiber is separation membrane-typematerial with porosity, and applied in various field such as a varietyof filter kinds, wound dressings, and artificial supporters.

Also, nanofiber has excellent filtering effect in filter usage, andnanofiber manufactured from polymer with electrical conductivity iscoated on glass, perceives amount of sun light, and can make windowcolor change.

Moreover, in the case nanofiber with conductivity is used as lithium ionbattery electrolyte, electrolyte leak could be prevented, battery sizeand weight are largely decreased, in the case of making nanofiber withartificial protein similar to biological tissue, it is used as bandageabsorbed directly in body or artificial skin.

Manufacture method of nanofiber includes drawing, template synthesis,phase separation, self assembly, and electrospinning.

Especially, among the manufacture methods, electrospinning method iswidely applied as a method of consecutively mass-producing nanofiberfrom various polymers.

Such electrospinning method is between two electrode having oppositepolarity, one pole of electrode in spinning nozzle portion, another polein collector, charged spinning material is discharged in air throughspinning nozzle portion, subsequently draw electric charged filament inair, or through another filament, manufactures micro fiber. In otherwords, charged and discharged filament is through severe gallopingbecause of electric effect such as mutual resistance in electrical-fieldformed between nozzle and collector, and extremely thinned.

An electrospinning apparatus which manufactures nanofiber byelectrospinning comprising a storage tank storing spinning solution, adistribution pipe transferring spinning solution quantitatively, ametering pump for supplying spinning solution in required amount, anozzle block in which a plurality of nozzles to discharge spinningsolution is arranged, a collector collecting spin fiber and locatedoppositely to the nozzle block, and a voltage generating device forproviding voltage.

Type of polymer and solvent used when producing nanofiber with suchelectrospinning apparatus, solvent type, polymer solution concentration,and spinning room temperature and humidity are known to affect diameterand spinning property of produced nanofiber.

Temperature and humidity regarding electrospinning area, regionoccurring electrospinning (below, indicated as ‘spinning region’),temperature by changing spinning solution viscosity, modifies spinningsolution surface tension, eventually affects spin nanofiber diameter.

In other words, in the case spinning region temperature is relativelyhigh and solution viscosity is low, nanofiber with relatively thin fiberdiameter is manufactured, and in the case temperature is relatively lowand solution viscosity is high, nanofiber with relatively thick fiberdiameter is manufactured.

Therefore, in order to manufacture nanofiber with constant fiberdiameter distribution, spinning room temperature and humidity should becontrolled to maintain constantly according to given condition, forthis, there are drawbacks such as equipment expense and energy expensecost a lot.

Meanwhile, in order to overcome strength limit of electrospin nanofiberusing one type of polymer solution, enhanced nanofiber is manufacturedby laminating and mixing polymer solution having different component.

In the case of manufacturing such multiple layer nanofiber, there isstrong point such as enhanced nanofiber is manufactured, but relativelynanofiber thickness becomes thicker, when polymer solution electrospinand integrated to a collector, as one polymer solution is used, there isproblem that two or more electrospinning apparatus are needed, and thereare problems such as installation expense and energy expense cost a lot,manufacture line becomes longer, and processing time is increased.

Meanwhile, when manufacturing nanofiber through the electrospinningapparatus, factors deciding nanofiber characteristics are matter featuresuch as density, dielectric feature, and surface tension, and controlfactor such as distance between a nozzle and a collector, voltagebetween a nozzle and a collector, charge density in electrical field,electrostatic pressure in nozzle, and spinning material injection speed.

Moreover, when producing extra fine denier fiber using theelectrospinning apparatus, factors determining extra fine denier fiberfeature are tip form of nozzle and nozzle pack, electric fieldinterference according to distance among nozzle tip, electric fieldcharge density, and electrostatic pressure in nozzle.

When manufacturing a product by electrospinning through theelectrospinning apparatus, regarding a nozzle among important factorsdetermining a product feature, by manufacturing nanofiber using one orfew nozzle, production speed is very low so it is difficult tocommercialize.

Therefore, in order to commercialize electrospinning, it is needed tofigure out problems regarding nozzle form and problems regardingspinning nozzle through research on interference among nozzle.

Meanwhile, nanofiber manufacture device (refer to Japanese Patent No.4402695) which recycles collected polymer solution overflowed from aplurality of nozzle's outlet as nanofiber material is known, asillustrated in FIG. 1, the nanofiber manufacture device (900) comprises;a plurality of nozzle (912) discharging polymer solution upward from anoutlet; a nozzle block (400) having polymer solution supply path (914)which supplies polymer solution to the plurality of nozzle (912); avoltage generating device (930) which applies voltage between the nozzleblock (400) and a collector (700); a spinning solution main tank (100)which stores polymer solution that is material of the nanofiber; ametering pump (950) which supplies polymer solution stored in thespinning solution main tank (100) to polymer solution supply path (914)of the nozzle block (400); and a retrieval pump (120) which retrievesoverflowed polymer solution from outlet of the plurality of nozzle (912)and returning overflowed polymer solution to the spinning solution maintank (100).

Though according to the nanofiber manufacture device as stated above,phenomenon of polymer solution lump which isn't spun from nozzleattached to a collector plate (below, indicated as “Droplet phenomenon”)could be slightly resolved, we are in the state of requiring technologyto cut down amount of polymer solution used by preventing dropletphenomenon.

DISCLOSURE Technical Problem

The present invention is contrived to solve the problems, the purpose isto provide an electrospinning apparatus capable of producing nanofiberhaving various ingredients and thicknesses by controlling thetemperature of at least one solution discharged from nozzles mounted onthe pipe of a nozzle block and thus controlling the viscosity of thesolution which is electrospun; producing nanofiber having uniformquality without applying a density difference and a voltage differenceby disposing the front end portions of the nozzles in a flare shape; andmass-producing nanofiber at a low cost as well as reducing the amount ofthe solution used by removing an overflow prevention system and using ametering pump alone or by using the metering pump and the overflowprevention system alternatively or in a hybrid manner.

Technical Solution

In order to achieve the objects stated above, the present invention isan electrospinning apparatus manufacturing nanofiber by electrospinningmethod, comprising: a nozzle block in which a plurality of nozzlesdischarging polymer solution is arranged, a collector installed andplaced separately from the nozzle block and integrating nanofiber, avoltage generating device applying high voltage between the collectorand the nozzle, an elongated sheet conveyed between the collector andthe nozzle, wherein the nozzle block comprises a plurality of tubularbodies which connected to a plurality of nozzles, and a heat line or apipe connected to temperature adjusting device inside each tubular bodyto control temperature of polymer solution.

Here, each tubular body is equipped on the nozzle block detachable, theheat line provided in each of tubular body is formed in coil form orlinear form, and the pipe in each of tubular body is formed in U form.

Moreover, electrospinning method of manufacturing nanofiber bydischarging polymer solution from a plurality of nozzles connected totubular body is one among bottom-up type, top-down type, or paralleltype.

Meanwhile, An electrospinning apparatus, manufacturing nanofiber byelectrospinning method, comprising a nozzle block in which a pluralityof nozzles discharging two or more polymer solution is arranged, acollector installed and placed separately from the nozzle block andintegrating nanofiber, a voltage generating device applying high voltagebetween the collector and the nozzle, an elongated sheet conveyedbetween the collector and the nozzle, wherein the nozzle block comprisesa plurality of tubular bodies, and a heat line or a pipe connected totemperature adjusting device inside each tubular body to controltemperature of polymer solution, further comprising two or more polymersolution storage tanks for storing polymer solution with differentcomponent separately, and polymer solution flowing pipe for flowingpolymer solution in each polymer solution storage tank.

Here, the polymer solution is one or more among polylactic acid (PLA),polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl acetate (PVAc), polyethylene terephthalate(PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene napthalate (PEN),polyamide (PA), polyurethane (PU), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA),polyetherimide (PEI), polycaprolactone (PCL), poly lactic-co-glycolicacid (PLGA), silk, cellulose, and chitosan.

In this case, each tubular body is equipped on the nozzle blockdetachable, the heat line provided in each of tubular body is formed incoil form or linear form, and the pipe in each of tubular body is formedin U form.

Also, electrospinning method of manufacturing nanofiber by dischargingpolymer solution from a plurality of nozzles connected to tubular bodyis one among bottom-up type, top-down type, or parallel type.

Meanwhile, an electrospinning apparatus manufacturing nanofiber byelectrospinning method, comprising:

a nozzle block, in which a plurality of nozzles discharging polymersolution is arranged, comprising a nozzle plate arranged multi-pipe-typenozzle in sheath/core form, two or more spinning solution storage platelocated bottom of the nozzle plate, and a plurality of nozzles, whichdischarge polymer solution, connected to nozzle for overflow removal;a collector installed and placed separately from the nozzle block andintegrating nanofiber;a voltage generating device applying high voltage between the collectorand the nozzle;an elongated sheet conveyed between the collector and the nozzle,wherein front end portion of the nozzle connected to the nozzle block isin a flare shape.

Here, the front end portion of the nozzle is in flare shape and makes 5degrees to 30 degrees with a cylinder axis of the nozzle, the number ofnozzle switch flare-shaped front end portion is 10% to 30% of the totalnozzles provided in the nozzle block.

Moreover, the electrospinning method is one among bottom-upelectrospinning method which a nozzle block is located a collectorbottom, top-down electrospinning method which a nozzle block is locateda collector top, and parallel electrospinning method which a nozzleblock and a collector is located parallel or in similar angle.

Meanwhile, electrospinning apparatus manufacturing nanofiber byelectrospinning method, comprising: a nozzle block in which a pluralityof nozzles discharging polymer solution is arranged, a collectorinstalled and placed separately from the nozzle block and integratingnanofiber, a voltage generating device applying high voltage between thecollector and the nozzle, a spinning solution main tank storing polymersolution, and a middle tank storing polymer solution supplied from thespinning solution main tank, further comprising a metering pump formeasuring discharging amount from the nozzle.

Also, an electrospinning apparatus manufacturing nanofiber byelectrospinning, comprising: a nozzle block in which a plurality ofnozzles discharging polymer solution is arranged, a collector installedand placed separately from the nozzle block and integrates nanofiber, avoltage generating device applying high voltage between the collectorand the nozzle, a spinning solution main tank storing polymer solution,a recycling tank recycling and storing polymer solution, and a middletank storing polymer solution supplied from the spinning solution maintank, further comprising an overflow prevention system for preventingpolymer solution from overflow, and a metering pump for measuringdischarging amount from the nozzle, wherein the overflow preventionsystem and the metering pump are used alternatively or in hybrid type.

Here, the overflow prevention system comprises a concentrationcorrection device to correct polymer solution concentration.

Advantageous Effects

The present invention having the composition stated above, bycontrolling one or more polymer solution viscosity by equipped atemperature adjusting device in each tubular body of a nozzle block,electrospinning nanofiber with various thickness and various componentsis discharged, thereby nanofiber with various thickness and variouscomponents could be manufactured, manufacturing process is simplifiedand simultaneously manufacture cost is down, nanofiber having uniformquality could be manufactured. Also by adjusting polymer solutionamount, amount of polymer solution attached to a nozzle, which is notintegrated to a collector, is minimized and simultaneously polymersolution consumption is minimized, and mass-producing nanofiber ispossible in low cost.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of nanofiber manufacture deviceaccording to the prior art,

FIG. 2 shows a drawing of an electrospinning apparatus according to thepresent invention,

FIG. 3 is a top plan view illustrating a polymer solution supply deviceof the electrospinning apparatus according to the present invention,

FIG. 4 is a front section illustrating a schematic diagram of oneexemplary embodiment of tubular body of the electrospinning apparatusaccording to the present invention,

FIG. 5 is a side section depicting A-A′ line,

FIG. 6 is a front section showing a schematic diagram of anotherexemplary embodiment of tubular body of the electrospinning apparatus anaccording to the present invention,

FIG. 7 is a side section depicting B-B′ line,

FIG. 8 is a front section view showing a schematic diagram of otherexemplary embodiment of tubular body of the electrospinning apparatus anaccording to the present invention,

FIG. 9 is a side section illustrating C-C′ line,

FIG. 10 is a top plan view illustrating another embodiment of polymersolution supply device of the electrospinning apparatus according to thepresent invention,

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a nozzle block installed doublepipe nozzle of the electrospinning apparatus according to the presentinvention,

FIG. 12 depicts a schematic diagram of front-end of nozzle of theelectrospinning apparatus according to the present invention,

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of metering pump provided in theelectrospinning apparatus according to the present invention,

FIG. 14 depicts a schematic diagram of overflow system and providedmetering pump of the electrospinning apparatus according the presentinvention.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMBERS OF DRAWINGS

-   1: electrospinning apparatus,-   10: case,-   11: electro spinning room,-   20: collector,-   30: auxiliary belt device,-   31: auxiliary belt,-   32, 33, 34: auxiliary belt roller,-   40: polymer solution supply device,-   41: nozzle block,-   42: nozzle,-   43: tubular body,-   44, 44 a, 44 b: spinning solution main tank,-   45: polymer solution flow pipe,-   50: voltage generating device,-   60: temperature adjusting control device,-   61: temperature adjusting control device connector,-   62 a, 62 b: heat line,-   63: pipe,-   100: spinning solution main tank,-   110: nozzle block left-right reciprocating device,-   111: agitator motor,-   112: dielectric rod,-   113: agitator,-   120: retrieval pump,-   152: insulator,-   201, 271: agitating device,-   222, 224, 226: valve,-   230: middle tank,-   232: partition,-   234: bubble removal filter,-   236 the first storage,-   238: the second storage,-   239: the first sensor,-   253: metering pump,-   256: storage tank,-   270: recycling tank,-   300: spinning solution drop device,-   400: nozzle block,-   404: nozzle for air supply,-   405: nozzle plate,-   407: the first spinning solution storage plate,-   408: the second spinning solution storage plate,-   410: temporal storage pipe for overflowed liquid,-   411: air storage pipe,-   412: overflow outlet,-   413: air inlet,-   414: nozzle support plate for air supply,-   415: nozzle for overflow removal,-   416: nozzle support plate for overflow removal,-   420: front-end of nozzle,-   500: multi-pipe-type nozzle,-   501: the first pipe in multi-pipe-type nozzle,-   502: the second pipe in multi-pipe-type nozzle,-   700: collector,-   900: electrospinning apparatus,-   912: nozzle,-   914: supply path,-   930: voltage generating device,-   950: metering pump,-   a: convey direction,-   W: elongated sheet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Below, specifically explains a desirable embodiment of the presentinvention reference to an attached drawing. Also, the present embodimentdoesn't limit the present invention extent of a right, but merelysuggests an example, various modifications in the extent of not leavingthe technological main point is possible.

FIG. 2 shows a drawing of an electrospinning apparatus according to thepresent invention, FIG. 3 is a top plan view illustrating a polymersolution supply device of the electrospinning apparatus according to thepresent invention, FIG. 4 is a front section illustrating a schematicdiagram of one exemplary embodiment of tubular body of theelectrospinning apparatus according to the present invention, FIG. 5 isa side section depicting A-A′ line, FIG. 6 is a front section showing aschematic diagram of another exemplary embodiment of tubular body of theelectrospinning apparatus an according to the present invention, FIG. 7is a side section depicting B-B′ line, FIG. 8 is a front section viewshowing a schematic diagram of other exemplary embodiment of tubularbody of the electrospinning apparatus an according to the presentinvention, FIG. 9 is a side section illustrating C-C′ line, FIG. 10 is atop plan view illustrating another embodiment of polymer solution supplydevice of the electrospinning apparatus according to the presentinvention, FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a nozzle blockinstalled double pipe nozzle of the electrospinning apparatus accordingto the present invention, FIG. 12 depicts a schematic diagram offront-end of nozzle of the elctrospinning apparatus according to thepresent invention, FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of metering pumpprovided in the electrospinning apparatus according to the presentinvention, FIG. 14 depicts a schematic diagram of overflow system andprovided metering pump of the electrospinning apparatus according thepresent invention.

As illustrated in the drawing, the electrospinning apparatus (1) forproducing nanofiber is for electrospinning on carried elongated sheet(W) following a desired direction (a) by a convey device, comprises amain control device for controlling every each operating part, VOChandling device (not shown) for removing volatility component, which isoccurred when stacking nanofiber on the elongated sheet (W), by burning,and an inert gas supply device which supplies inert gas in electrospinning room (11) in the case error is detected in the electrospinningapparatus.

In the embodiment, only the electrospinning apparatus (1) isillustrated, and the convey device, the main control device, the VOChandling device and the inert gas supply device are not illustrated.

The electrospinning apparatus (1) according to the present invention isto be installed in a room adjusted temperature 20 to 40° C. and humidity20 to 60%, the electrospinning apparatus (1) comprises a case (10) withconductivity, an auxiliary belt device (30) assisting convey of theelongated sheet (W), a collector (20) located in the case (10) and upperside of the elongated sheet (W) to apply high voltage, a nozzle block(41) in which a plurality of nozzle (42) discharging polymer solution isarranged and installed directed to the collector (20), a voltagegenerating device (50) applying high voltage between the collector (20)and the nozzle (42), and an electrospinning room (11) having a spacecovering the nozzle block (41) and the collector (20).

Moreover, a polymer solution supply device (40) for supplying polymersolution in the nozzle (42) is provided.

In this case, the auxiliary belt device (30) is installed an auxiliarybelt (31) covering the collector (20), the elongated sheet (W) iscontacted to the outer side of the auxiliary belt (31) and conveyed byaccording to driving of an auxiliary belt roller (32, 33) which rotatesthe auxiliary belt (31), the elongated sheet (W) contacted to theauxiliary belt (31) outer side effectively conveys without driven by thecollector (20) high voltage applied in both sides.

Here, the elongated sheet (W) could be made by non-woven fabric, fabric,knitting comprising various materials, or etc., and the thickness couldbe set from 5 to 500 μm.

Meanwhile, the voltage generating device (50) applies desired voltagebetween the collector (20) and each of the nozzle (42), one partaccesses to the collector, and the other part accesses to each tubularbody (43).

Polymer solution flow of the nozzle block (41) according to theembodiment of the present invention supplies from polymer solutionstorage tank (44) stored polymer solution through polymer solution flowpipe (45) to each of the tubular body (43).

Also, polymer solution supplied to each of the tubular body (43) isdischarged through a plurality of nozzles (42), and integrated on theelongated sheet (W) in nanofiber form.

In this case, in each of the tubular body (43) a plurality of nozzle(42) along the tubular body (43) length direction, is equipped inpredetermined space, material of the nozzle (42) and the tubular body(43) comprising electric conductor member, and equipped in the tubularbody (43) in the state of electrically accessed.

Here, in order to control the temperature of polymer solution suppliedto each of the tubular body (43) according to each tubular body (43),heat line (62 a) is provided in each of the tubular body (43), the heatline (62 a) is connected to a temperature adjusting control device (60)through a temperature adjusting control device connection (61).

In other words, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, in each of the tubularbody (43) the heat line (62 a) in coil form is provided, the heat line(62 a) is connected to the temperature adjusting control device (60)through the temperature adjusting control device connection (61), andthe temperature of polymer solution supplied in the tubular body (43) isadjusted and controlled.

A heat line (62 a) in the tubular body (43) is provided in single heatline and formed in coil form, but it is possible to provide two or moreheating line (62 a) formed in coil form.

Meanwhile, though in one embodiment of the present invention, the heatline (62 a) in coil form in the tubular body (43) is provided, asillustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, in the tubular body (43) a heat line (62b) in linear form is provided, the heat liner (62 b) is connected to thetemperature adjusting control device (60) through the temperatureadjusting control device connection (61), and the temperature of polymersolution supplied in the tubular body (43) is adjusted and controlled.

Also, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, in the tubular body (43) pipe (63c) in U form is provided, the pipe (63 c) connected to the temperatureadjusting control device (60) through the temperature adjusting controldevice connection (61), and the temperature of polymer solution suppliedin the tubular body (43) is adjusted and controlled.

As stated above, according to the aim of the present invention, in orderto control temperature of the polymer solution in each tubular body(43), the heat line (62 a, 62 b) or the pipe (63) is provided in thetubular body (43), polymer solution viscosity could be controlled byadjusting temperature of polymer solution supplied in the tubular body(43) using the temperature adjusting control device (60).

Meanwhile, though in one embodiment of the present invention, onepolymer solution storage tank (44) supplying the polymer solution isprovided to electrospin one polymer solution, as illustrated in FIG. 10,it is also preferable that two or more polymer solution storage tank (44a, 44 b) are provided, in each of the polymer solution storage tank (44a, 44 b) two or more different polymer solution is each supplied, andelectrospinning each of the polymer solution.

In this case, in each of the tubular body (43) of the electrospinningapparatus (1) with two or more polymer solution storage tank (44 a, 44b), the heat line (62 a) in coil form, the heat line (62 b) in linearform, or the pipe (62 c) in U form is provided, the heat line (62 a, 62b) or the pipe (62 c) is connected to the temperature adjusting controldevice (60) through the temperature adjusting control device connection(61).

The heat line (62 a, 62 b) or the pipe (62 c) is provided in the tubularbody (43), the heat line (62 a, 62 b) or the pipe (62 c) connected tothe temperature adjusting control device (60) through the temperatureadjusting control device connection (61), and the temperature of polymersolution supplied in the tubular body (43) is adjusted and controlled.

As stated above, according to the aim of the present invention, in orderto control temperature of two or more different polymer solution in eachtubular body (43), the heat line (62 a, 62 b) or the pipe (63) isprovided in the tubular body (43), polymer solution viscosity could becontrolled by adjusting temperature of polymer solution supplied in thetubular body (43) using the temperature adjusting control device (60).

Meanwhile, explaining the electrospinning apparatus according to therelated art, reference to FIG. 1, the nozzle (912) is provided todischarge polymer solution in upward direction from an outlet, polymersolution is supplied from the nozzle block (400) to the nozzle (912)through the polymer solution supply path (914), metering pump (950)which supply polymer solution stored in the spinning solution main tank(100) to polymer solution supply path (914) of the nozzle block (400),and the retrieval pump (12) which retrieves overflowed polymer solutionfrom outlet of the nozzle (912) and return polymer solution to thespinning solution main tank (100). The nozzle (912) exit provided in thenozzle block (400) comprises upward nozzle forming in upper direction,the collector (700) is located in the nozzle block (400) upper side, andspinning solution comprising polymer solution electrospins in upwarddirection.

Here, the nozzle (912) installed in the nozzle block (400) of theelectrospinning apparatus (900), as illustrated in FIG. 11, comprising amulti-pipe-type nozzle (500), the multi-pipe-type nozzle (500) is formedin two or more pipes for simultaneously electrospinning two or moredifferent polymer spinning solution, the first pipe (501) located ininner side and the second pipe (502) located outer side of the firstpipe are combined in sheath/core form.

For this, in the nozzle block (400), a nozzle plate (405) in which amulti-pipe-type nozzle (500), that pipes are combined in sheath/coreform, is arranged, the first spinning solution storage pipe (407) andthe second spinning solution storage pipe (408) located in the bottom ofthe nozzle plate (405) and which are formed in two or more for providingspinning solution to the multi-pipe-type nozzle (500), an nozzle foroverflow removal (415) forming in form of covering the multi-pipe-typenozzle (500), connected to the nozzle for overflow removal (415), atemporal storage pipe for overflow liquid (410) is located uppermostside of the nozzle plate (405), an nozzle support plate for overflowremoval (416) located uppermost side of the temporal storage pipe foroverflow liquid (410) and supports the nozzle for overflow removal(415), an nozzle for air supply (404) covering the multi-pipe-typenozzle (500) and the nozzle for overflow removal (415), an air storagepipe (411) supplying air to the nozzle for air supply (404), and anozzle support plate for air supply (414) which supports the nozzle forair supply (404) and located in the uppermost-end of the nozzle block(400), and air inlet (413) which is located in the lowermost-end of thenozzle support plate for air supply (414) and supplies and stores air tonozzle for overflow removal (415), and an overflow outlet (412) whichdischarges overflow liquid stored in the temporal storage pipe foroverflow liquid (410).

By the nozzle for overflow removal (415) provided in the electrospinningapparatus (900) in order, around the multi-pipe-type nozzle (500),spinning solution which didn't spin is removed, and by the nozzle forair supply (404), to enlarge integrated distribution of nanofiber, airis supplied.

Here, the temporal storage pipe for overflow liquid (410) is produced asinsulator, and after temporally storing remained spinning solutionflowed in through the nozzle for overflow removal (415), conveys it to aspinning solution supply pipe (not drawn).

Also, by the air storage pipe (411) located upper side of the temporalstorage pipe for overflow liquid (410), air is supplied to the nozzlefor air supply (404) covering the multi-pipe-type nozzle (500) and thenozzle for overflow removal (415).

Meanwhile, the nozzle support plate for air supply (414) provided in theuppermost side of the nozzle block (400) arranged the nozzle for airsupply (404) is formed in nonconductive material, the nozzle supportplate for air supply (414) is located in the nozzle block (400),electric power affecting between the collector (700) and themulti-pipe-type nozzle (500) is focused only on the multi-pipe-typenozzle (500), so electrospinning is smoothly in progress only in themulti-pipe-type nozzle (500) part.

In this case, the distance from the upper tip of the multi-pipe-typenozzle (500) to the upper tip of the nozzle for air supply (404) is 1-20mm, and favorably 2-15 mm. In other words, the nozzle for air supply(404) height is 1-20 mm and favorably 2-15 mm higher than themulti-pipe-type nozzle (500). In the case of distance between upper tipof the multi-pipe-type nozzle (500) and upper tip of the nozzle for airsupply (404) is less than 1 mm, in other words, when the multi-pipe-typenozzle (500) and the nozzle for air supply (404) are located in almostsame level, the multi-pipe-type nozzle (500) part doesn't effectivelyform jet stream, the area of nanofiber attached to the collector (700)becomes smaller, in the case of distance between upper tip of themulti-pipe-type nozzle (500) and upper tip of the nozzle for air supply(404) is more than 20 mm, not only nanofiber formation of theelectrospinning apparatus debases as electric force weaken by highvoltage flowing between the collector (900) and the multi-pipe-typenozzle (500), but also jet stream length and formed pattern becomeunstable. Specifically, it disturbs stability in jet stream formed partfrom taylor cone, smooth nanofiber spinning becomes difficult.

Meanwhile, when producing nanofiber non-woven fabric, air jetting speedjetted from the nozzle for air supply (404) is 0.05 m-50 m/s, and morepreferably 1-30 m/s. In other words, in the case air jetting speedjetted from the nozzle for air supply (404) is less than 0.05 m/s,spread of nanofiber collected on the collector (700) is low andcollecting area isn't largely enhanced, in the case air jetting speedjetted from the nozzle for air supply (404) is more than 50 m/s, airjetting speed is too fast that area of nanofiber focused on thecollector (700) decreases, more seriously not as nanofiber but in thickform attached to the collector (700), so nanofiber formation andnanofiber fabric-woven formation remarkably fall.

Here, an electric conductor plate (not shown), in which pins the pinsare arranged the same as the multi-pipe-type nozzle (500) arrangement,is installed in the nozzle plate (405) direct rear-end, the electricconductor plate is connected to the voltage generating device (930) asillustrated in FIG. 1.

Moreover, a heating device (not shown) with indirect heating method isinstalled in direct rear-end of the spinning solution supply pipe (notshown).

The electric conductor plate (not shown) carries out a role of applyinghigh voltage to the multi-pipe-type nozzle (500), the spinning solutionsupply pipe stores spinning solution flowing from the spinning solutiondrop device to the nozzle block (400), and carries out a role ofsupplying to the multi-pipe-type nozzle (500). In this case, thespinning solution supply pipe is preferably manufactured in minimizedspace to minimize spinning solution storage amount.

In this case, from the rear-end of gas flowing pipe (not shown), gas isflowed, the part of where gas first flows in is connected to a filter(not shown). The spinning solution drop device (300) rear-end formedspinning solution outlet (not drawn) inducing dropped spinning solutionto the nozzle block (400). The spinning solution drop device (300)middle part is formed in hollow state for spinning solution drop in aspinning solution delivery table (not drawn) lowermost part.

Spinning solution flowed in the spinning solution drop device (300)slide down following the spinning solution delivery table, and in thelowermost part, spinning solution drop, and spinning solution flow isblocked one or more times.

Here, specifically looking into principle of spinning solution drop,when gas flows in the sealed spinning solution drop device (300) upperside following filter and gas intake pipe, the pressure of the spinningsolution delivery table naturally becomes irregular by swirl gas,pressure difference occurs in this case, so spinning solution drops.

For flowed gas in the present invention, air or inert gas such asnitrogen could be used.

The nozzle block (400) of the present invention, in order to evenelectrospin nanofiber distribution, by the nozzle block left-rightreciprocating device (110), in progress direction and orthogonaldirection of electrospin nanofiber, does left-right reciprocatingmovement.

Meanwhile, in the case of producing filament, electrospinning in thestate of not doing left-right reciprocating the nozzle block (400) beingfixed, after producing nanofiber web with a certain width, bridging andelongating it and filament is produced.

Also, inside the nozzle block (400), more particularly inside thespinning solution supply plate (not shown), to prevent spinning solutiongelation in the nozzle, an agitator (113) agitating spinning solutionstored in the nozzle block (400).

The agitator (113) is connected to an agitator motor (111) by anonconductive dielectric rod (112).

In the case of installing the agitator (113) in the nozzle block (400),when electrospinning solution including inorganic metal, orelectrospinning spinning solution dissolved using mixed solvent for along time, spinning solution gelation in the nozzle block (400) could beeffectively prevented.

Also, uppermost side of the nozzle block (400) is connected to aretrieval pump (120) conveying in force excessively supplied spinningsolution in the nozzle block (400) to a spinning solution main tank(100).

The retrieval pump (120) carries in force excessively supplied spinningsolution in the nozzle block to the spinning solution main tank (100) byinflux air.

Moreover, the heating device (not shown) in direct heating method orindirect heating method is installed in the collector (700) of thepresent invention, and the collector (700) is fixed or successivelyrotates.

Meanwhile, front-end of nozzle (420) of the multi-pipe-type nozzle (500)provided in the nozzle block (400) of the electrospinning apparatus(900)is preferably in cylinder shape and in flare shape 5 to 30 anglewith a cylinder axis.

Also the flare-shaped front-end of nozzle (42) of the multi-pipe-typenozzle (500) has a form narrowing from upper side to lower side, simplyit is flare shape but wedge shape is possible. Front-end (420) of themulti-pipe-type nozzle (500) forming in flare shape is preferablyaccounting 10 to 30% of the nozzle block (400), but it is not limited tothis.

Here, inner side of the nozzle front-end (420) is provided air inlet(not shown).

Meanwhile, according to the electrospinning apparatus (1) of the presentinvention, the nozzle front-end (420) of some part of the nozzle block(400) is in flare shape, without arrangement density difference andvoltage difference, mass-producing nanofiber with uniform quality, andweb comprising such nanofiber is separation material having porosity,applied in various fields such as various filter kinds, wound dressings,artificial supporters.

Below, through the embodiment, more specifically explains for a personwho has an average knowledge in the technical field of the presentinvention could easily repeatedly carry out. However, scope of a rightof the present invention is not limited to the embodiment, includingequivalent technical idea modification.

Embodiment 1

According to a nanofiber manufacture device which features 20% offront-end of nozzle of nozzle block in flare shape, distance betweenelectrode and nozzle is 40 cm, applied voltage is 20 kV, spinningsolution flow is 0.1 mL/h, temperature is 22° C., humidity is 20% andproduces nanofiber nonwoven by electrospinning.

In this case, as there is no interference among nozzles, nanofibernon-fabric collected in predetermined discharging amount on a collectorcould be produced.

Meanwhile, the electrospinning apparatus (1) of the present invention,as illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, provided a metering pump, or provideda metering pump and overflow system, controlling polymer solutionamount, not integrated to the collector, minimize amount attached to thenozzle, simultaneously minimize polymer solution consumption.

In other words, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the collector (20) of theelectrospinning apparatus (1) comprising an electric conductor, throughan insulator (152), attached to a case (10), and located upper than anozzle block (41).

In this case, the electrospinning apparatus (1) overflows polymersolution from an outlet (not shown) of a plurality of upward nozzle(42), discharging polymer solution from the outlet of a plurality ofupward nozzle, and electrospinning nanofiber.

Also, in the embodiment, a voltage generating device (50) of theelectrospinning apparatus (1) applies high voltage between a pluralityof upward nozzle (42) and the collector (20).

Plus terminal of the voltage generating device (50) accesses to thecollector (20), minus terminal of voltage generating device (50)accesses to the nozzle block through the case (10), an auxiliary beltdevice (30) has an auxiliary belt (31) synchronizes in the elongatedsheet (W) carrying speed, and an auxiliary belt roller (34) assistingrotation of the auxiliary belt (31).

Here, the five auxiliary belt roller (34)s are provided, among theauxiliary belt roller (34), one or two or more auxiliary belt roller(34) is driving roller, the other auxiliary belt roller (34) is drivenroller. Since the auxiliary belt (31) is arranged between the collector(20) and the elongated sheet (W), the elongated sheet (W) doesn't bedrawn by the collector (20) applied high voltage and smoothly conveys.

Meanwhile, a spinning solution main tank (100) stores polymer solutionwhich is nanofiber material, in the spinning solution main tank (100)and a recycling tank (270) having an agitator (201, 271) for preventingpolymer solution separation and coagulation, a valve (22) controlscarrying polymer solution from the spinning solution main tank (100),the valve (226) controls polymer solution carry from the recycling tank(270).

Here, a middle tank (230) stores polymer solution supplied from thespinning solution main tank (100) or the recycling tank (270), themiddle tank (230) has a partition (232), a bubble removal filter (234),and the first sensor (239), the partition (232) covers supplied partsupplying polymer solution.

Meanwhile, the middle tank (230) comprises the first storage (236) whichstores polymer solution before removing bubble by a bubble removalfilter (234), and the second storage (238) which stores polymer solutionafter removing bubble by the bubble removal filter (234).

Also, a supply device (240) including one pipe, and supplies polymersolution stored in the second storage (238) of the middle tank (230) topolymer solution supply path.

Here, a metering pump (253) provided in the elctrospinning apparatus (1)is located in a supply device (240) which is between the middle tank(230) and the nozzle block (41), by minutely adjusting polymer solutionwhich is attached to the nozzle (42) not integrated to the collector(20), and minimizes polymer solution consumption.

Meanwhile, in the electrospinning apparatus (1) the metering pump (253)and overflow system are provided, by adjusting polymer solution amount,minimizes the amount of polymer solution attached to the nozzle (42) andnot integrated to the collector (20), and simultaneously minimizespolymer solution consumption. In other words, as illustrated in FIG. 14,the valve (224) of the elctrospinning apparatus (1) controls polymersolution flowing from the spinning solution main tank (100) and therecycling tank (270) to the middle tank (230), control by the valve(224) is conducted according to solution level measured by the firstsensor (239).

Also, the middle tank (23) stores polymer solution supplied from thespinning solution main tank (100) or the recycling tank (270), themiddle tank (230) is arranged rear-end of the middle tank (230) islocated upper than front-end of the upward nozzle (42).

In addition, a pump (254) generates electric power to carry polymersolution to the recycling tank (270) which is located upper than thenozzle block (41) nearby.

Polymer solution of the embodiment of the elctrospinning apparatus (1),as illustrated in FIG. 13, adjusted by the metering pump (253), in thecase of droplet phenomenon doesn't occur, an overflow prevention systemisn't operated, and in the case of droplet phenomenon occurs, theoverflow system operates in hybrid type.

Here, polymer solution, not electrospinned in the collector (20) andattached to the nozzle (42), is stored in a storage tank (256) andfilled in the recycling tank (270), in the recycling tank (270) solutiondensity correction device is additionally provided, and polymer solutionis directly supplied to the middle tank (230) and reused.

Meanwhile, a metering pump (253) is used alternatively or in hybrid typewith the overflow prevention system discharging polymer solution fromthe nozzle (42) outlet, and added device for correction of solutionconcentration.

In this case, as device correcting the polymer solution concentration, aviscosity sensor installed in the recycling tank (270) and measuringviscosity of stored solution and device providing solvent to therecycling tank (270) by contrasting value and predetermined value.

While the present invention is described with reference to particularembodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the artthat variations or amendment may be made therein without departing fromthe sprit and scope of the invention. The scope of the present inventionis not limited by those variations or amendments, but by the followingclaims.

1. An electrospinning apparatus manufacturing nanofiber byelectrospinning method, comprising: a nozzle block in which a pluralityof nozzles discharging polymer solution is arranged, a collectorinstalled and placed separately from the nozzle block and integratingnanofiber, a voltage generating device applying high voltage between thecollector and the nozzle, an elongated sheet conveyed between thecollector and the nozzle, wherein the nozzle block comprises a pluralityof tubular bodies which connected to a plurality of nozzles, and a heatline or a pipe connected to temperature adjusting device inside eachtubular body to control temperature of polymer solution.
 2. Theelectrospinning apparatus of claim 1, wherein each tubular body isequipped on the nozzle block detachable, the heat line provided in eachof tubular body is formed in coil form or linear form, and the pipe ineach of tubular body is formed in U form.
 3. The electrospinningapparatus of claim 1, wherein electrospinning method of manufacturingnanofiber by discharging polymer solution from a plurality of nozzlesconnected to tubular body is one among bottom-up type, top-down type, orparallel type.
 4. An electrospinning apparatus manufacturing nanofiberby electrospinning method, comprising: a nozzle block in which aplurality of nozzles discharging two or more polymer solution isarranged, a collector installed and placed separately from the nozzleblock and integrating nanofiber, a voltage generating device applyinghigh voltage between the collector and the nozzle, an elongated sheetconveyed between the collector and the nozzle, wherein the nozzle blockcomprises a plurality of tubular bodies, and a heat line or a pipeconnected to temperature adjusting device inside each tubular body tocontrol temperature of polymer solution, further comprising two or morepolymer solution storage tanks for storing polymer solution withdifferent component separately, and polymer solution flowing pipe forflowing polymer solution in each polymer solution storage tank.
 5. Theelectrospinning apparatus of claim 4, wherein the polymer solution isone or more selected from group consisting of polylactic acid (PLA),polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl acetate (PVAc), polyethylene terephthalate(PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene napthalate (PEN),polyamide (PA), polyurethane (PU), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA),polyetherimide (PEI), polycaprolactone (PCL), poly lactic-co-glycolicacid (PLGA), silk, cellulose, and chitosan.
 6. The electrospinningapparatus of claim 4, wherein each tubular body is equipped on thenozzle block detachable, the heat line provided in each of tubular bodyis formed in coil form or linear form, and the pipe in each of tubularbody is formed in U form.
 7. The electrospinning apparatus of claim 4,wherein electrospinning method of manufacturing nanofiber by dischargingpolymer solution from a plurality of nozzles connected to tubular bodyis one among bottom-up type, top-down type, or parallel type.
 8. Anelectrospinning apparatus manufacturing nanofiber by electrospinningmethod, comprising: a nozzle block, in which a plurality of nozzlesdischarging polymer solution is arranged, comprising a nozzle platearranged multi-pipe-type nozzle in sheath/core form, two or morespinning solution storage plate located bottom of the nozzle plate, anda plurality of nozzles, which discharge polymer solution, connected tonozzle for overflow removal; a collector installed and placed separatelyfrom the nozzle block and integrating nanofiber; a voltage generatingdevice applying high voltage between the collector and the nozzle; anelongated sheet conveyed between the collector and the nozzle; whereinfront end portion of the nozzle connected to the nozzle block is in aflare shape.
 9. The electrospinning apparatus of claim 8, wherein thefront end portion of the nozzle is in flare shape and makes 5 degrees to30 degrees with a cylinder axis of the nozzle, the number of nozzleswitch flare-shaped front end portion is 10% to 30% of the total nozzlesprovided in the nozzle block.
 10. The electrospinning apparatus of claim8, wherein the electrospinning method is one among bottom-upelectrospinning method which a nozzle block is located a collectorbottom, top-down electrospinning method which a nozzle block is locateda collector top, and parallel electrospinning method which a nozzleblock and a collector is located parallel or in similar angle.
 11. Anelectrospinning apparatus manufacturing nanofiber by electrospinningmethod, comprising: a nozzle block in which a plurality of nozzlesdischarging polymer solution is arranged, a collector installed andplaced separately from the nozzle block and integrating nanofiber, avoltage generating device applying high voltage between the collectorand the nozzle, a spinning solution main tank storing polymer solution,and a middle tank storing polymer solution supplied from the spinningsolution main tank, further comprising a metering pump for measuringdischarging amount from the nozzle.
 12. An electrospinning apparatusmanufacturing nanofiber by electrospinning, comprising: a nozzle blockin which a plurality of nozzles discharging polymer solution isarranged, a collector installed and placed separately from the nozzleblock and integrates nanofiber, a voltage generating device applyinghigh voltage between the collector and the nozzle, a spinning solutionmain tank storing polymer solution, a recycling tank recycling andstoring polymer solution, and a middle tank storing polymer solutionsupplied from the spinning solution main tank, further comprising anoverflow prevention system for preventing polymer solution fromoverflow, and a metering pump for measuring discharging amount from thenozzle, wherein the overflow prevention system and the metering pump areused alternatively or in hybrid type.
 13. The electrospinning apparatusof claim 12, wherein the overflow prevention system comprising aconcentration correction device to correct polymer solutionconcentration.
 14. The electrospinning apparatus of claim 2, whereinelectrospinning method of manufacturing nanofiber by discharging polymersolution from a plurality of nozzles connected to tubular body is oneamong bottom-up type, top-down type, or parallel type.
 15. Theelectrospinning apparatus of claim 5, wherein electrospinning method ofmanufacturing nanofiber by discharging polymer solution from a pluralityof nozzles connected to tubular body is one among bottom-up type,top-down type, or parallel type.
 16. The electrospinning apparatus ofclaim 6, wherein electrospinning method of manufacturing nanofiber bydischarging polymer solution from a plurality of nozzles connected totubular body is one among bottom-up type, top-down type, or paralleltype.